Lead Mining Archives
Title
Lead Mining Archives
Description
A collection of documents, maps and manuscripts relating to the lead mining heritage of Keld and Upper Swaledale
Creator
Keld Resource Centre
Source
various
Collection Items
Image from 'The Yorkshire Lead Mine' feature in the Oxford Magazine, London 1771
Image depicts the Beldi Hill Trials between Lord Pomfret and Thomas Smith over mining rights in the Beldi Hill area.
The Swaledale Mining Field
Document explaining how lead ore came to present in the hills of Swaledale
Early Period of Mining in Swaledale
A description of early mining activity in Swaledale before the 16th Century
Lead mining in the 16th & 17th Century
Document detailing how the lead mining industry expanded throughout the 16th & 17th century in Swaledale.
Lead Mining in the 18th Century
How the lead industry developed in Swaledale throughout the 18th century, including the bitter disputes between rival companies that resulted in the Beldi Hill trials.
Beldi Hill Trial
An account of the famous Beldi Hill Trial between Lord Pomfret and Thomas Smith over mining and land ownership rights. The trials ran from 1769 - 1772
Beldi Hill & Swinnergill Mines
Historical information relating to the Beldi Hill & Swinnergill mining complex in Upper Swaledale.
Old Gang and Surrender Mines
Historical information on the Old Gang and Surrender mines in Swaledale
Lane End & Keldside Mines
Historical information on the Lane End and Keldside mines in Upper Swaledale
The Life of a Lead Miner
Information on what life was like for a lead miner including living conditions, religion and leisure pursuits.
Working Conditions & Health of Lead Miners
Information on the typical working conditions for lead miners and the subsequent impact on their health
Dressing the Ore
The processes used to prepare the extracted ore ready for smelting. This process was called 'dressing' the ore.
The Smelting Process
Information on the smelting techniques used by the mining companies to convert the mined galena ore into the final lead bars ready for sale
Lead Prices
Extract from John Parke's journal showing lead prices from 1768 - 1771.
And prices paid in 1870 -1873.
And prices paid in 1870 -1873.
Beldi Hill Trial - A Personal Account
Extracts from John Parke's journal from 1769 - 1772 describing the events in Swaledale during the disputes and trials between Lord Pomfret and Thomas Smith. John Parkes and Company had leased mining ground from Thomas Smith and this ground was the…
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